[2026] For Band Beginners! Recommended Songs from Popular Bands That Get the Crowd Going at Live Shows

somedaySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog "Someday" MUSIC VIDEO

Saucy Dog, also known as “Saushi,” appeared in the 73rd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, cementing their name nationwide.

Their hit song “Itsuka,” which has surpassed 95 million views on YouTube, was also chosen as the theme for AbemaTV’s “AbemaPrime,” making it a popular pick and a great assignment piece for cover bands.

Their band ensemble, steeped in the influence of lyrical UK rock, is truly emotional, and the moving melodies resonate deeply with many listeners.

While the individual parts aren’t particularly difficult and are approachable for beginners, be aware that the song becomes unexpectedly challenging when performed as a band.

In particular, the rhythm section should aim for a delicate yet dynamic performance that mirrors the protagonist’s emotional state.

The bass lines, with melodic phrases played repeatedly in higher positions, also make for excellent practice material—so bassists looking to graduate from the beginner level should definitely give it a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Cherry Boy SyndromeHanbureddāzu

Humbreaders “Cherry Boy Syndrome” Music Video

A three-piece rock band from Osaka, Humbreaders, whose name was chosen because they “couldn’t settle on a band name and their criteria started to waver.” This track is included on their first mini-album, RE YOUTH, and its impactful, youth-in-the-thick-of-it message makes the catchy lyrics stand out.

Despite its simple instrumentation, the arrangement has a live-ready sense of speed, making it a great pick for beginner bands eager to hit the stage right away.

The overall quality depends on how well you nail each phrase, so don’t get complacent just because it seems easy—keep practicing right up until the day of the show.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, known for his modern, urban sensibilities and for being an alum of the Voice Music School—which has produced many notable artists—has garnered widespread popularity.

The advance single Kaiju no Hanauta from his first album strobo was used as the commercial song for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series, in the “For Us” campaign.

With a generally simple band arrangement, every part is beginner-friendly.

As an artist extremely popular among younger generations, this rock tune is sure to get the crowd going at school festivals and cultural events.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

MissingELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN「Missing」Music Video

ELLEGARDEN is a band that just about everyone copies when they’re first starting out.

They’re super cool, yet the songs are simple to play, with beginner-friendly arrangements that are really appealing.

They’re also well-known and popular, so it’s easy to get the crowd hyped—another big plus! The vocalist’s range is a bit high, and the lead guitar arpeggios should be practiced carefully.

The lack of guitar solos also makes the songs easier to perform!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

ShekiraraChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – Shekirara (Official Lyric Video)

In February 2024, Chilli Beans., known as “Chiribi,” achieved a headlining show at the Nippon Budokan, and as regulars on music festival lineups, they continue to prove their popularity and prowess on many big stages.

They’re hugely popular, especially among younger generations, and there are surely many teens who want to try covering Chiribi’s songs.

That said, many of their tracks—born from the trio’s exceptional musical talent and taste—are honestly quite challenging for beginners.

As a relatively approachable option, let me introduce “Shekirara.” It’s included on Chiribi’s debut EP, “d a n c i n g a l o n e,” and it’s a live favorite thanks to its driving sound and subtly bittersweet melody.

For guitar, if you can handle the main riff that uses rests effectively and the crisp, nimble chopping in the A section, the likely single-note guitar solo isn’t all that difficult, so you should be able to manage it.

The bass mostly sticks to root notes, but be sure to play with a strong awareness of rests.

The drums, built around a danceable off-beat, might be tough until you get used to them, but keep practicing patiently and repeatedly to ingrain the rhythm in your body!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

The Story You Don’t Knowsupercell

The Story You Don’t Know – supercell

For a band setup with keyboards, this song is also a great pick.

If you try to copy the original exactly, the drum fills and cymbal work can be tricky, so feel free to simplify them in your own way.

The guitar parts are mostly straightforward phrases, but the song has lots of chord changes, so make sure each chord rings out cleanly.

If the rehearsal studio has a whiteboard, it’s a good idea to jot down the chord progression.

Once everyone gets comfortable with the arrangement, try practicing vocal harmonies to bring out a sparkling, vivid atmosphere.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

zunx2P

Report a problem

stainMakishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone 'Shimi feat. ATARASHII GAKKO!' (MV Special Ver.) Music Video

Take on high-energy loud rock! “Shimi” by Maximum the Hormone is a track from their 2007 album “Buiikikaesu,” and in 2024 a collaborative version with ATARASHII GAKKO! was released, creating a huge buzz.

The dynamic ebb-and-flow of the song structure is quintessential Hormone.

The key to performing this track is tuning both guitar and bass to Drop C, just like the original.

This is especially recommended for guitarists, since it lets you play power chords with a single finger.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem